Category: Press Releases

Sefton Pensioners’ Advocacy Centre and Sefton Advocacy are very pleased to announce that they are merging and that the new larger charity will be known as Sefton Advocacy.

Following a period of talks and consultation, the two charities decided that in order to keep providing high quality advocacy services to the people of Sefton it was in their best interests to merge and become a larger, single charity.

Sefton Pensioners’ Advocacy Centre is currently a leading force in the field of older peoples’ advocacy projects, as one of the largest independent charities with an exceptional local and national reputation. They have over 20 years’ experience of supporting the voice of older people with specific focus on people living with Dementia, Older people affected by Cancer, Housing & Care Projects and facilitating five older peoples’ forums across Sefton. Sefton Advocacy’s expertise lies in the fact that it continues to be the only generic service within the Borough that offers one-to-one advocacy, help, information and advice. We have seen a growth of referrals with many more residents turning to our volunteer led service for support throughout the year. As a charity, we offer a wide range of benefits to ‘Our Sefton Community’, ensuring that there is a long-established service for anyone with a problem to access.

The merger has come about in order to ensure that all residents of Sefton can continue to have the support of Advocacy. In these times of austerity, the board’s of both organisations decided that to take advocacy forward in a sustainable way it was in everyone’s best interest to merge. The new charity will be a single place of contact for Advocacy across Sefton and has the potential to develop new and innovative projects and areas of support.

Alison Ayres, Service Manager of Sefton Advocacy, says, “Providing the most vulnerable with an independent voice can have a transforming effect upon the individual and the wider community. A merging of these two organisations will strengthen this service and voice for Sefton residents. “

Andrew Booth, Director of Sefton Pensioners’ Advocacy Centre and the new CEO of Sefton Advocacy, said, “The support of Advocates and the strategic role for Advocacy Organisations are needed now more than ever. This merger will help us provide more one to one independent support for our communities, across all age groups and enable us to grow to meet the needs we, and our population, are identifying.”

New Liverpool City Region project Include-IT Mersey seeks volunteer digital champions to work in local communities.

Include-IT Mersey is looking for volunteers to encourage local people to improve their digital skills by accessing free training across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and the Wirral.

Volunteers will support participants to access digital training and raise awareness of the benefits of getting online in a variety of community centres and locations across the region.

“Digital Champions don’t need to be experts in IT and computing, but will need to be friendly and comfortable in working with the public” said Lauren Jones, Volunteer Coordinator for Sefton, Liverpool and Knowsley.

“The project aims to help 750 participants to renew their motivation to learn and progress in life and gain, what will in many cases, be their first qualification”.

Include-IT Mersey volunteers will not be directly involved in delivering the training programme, but will have the opportunity to help project organisers at Digital Surgeries across the region and will provide hands-on support to learners.

“This opportunity is a chance for volunteers to help members of their local community, and the role is flexible around your own availability”.

The Include-IT Mersey project is funded by The Big Lottery and European Social Fund, and is lead by Sefton CVS in partnership with VOLA consortium and partner organisations throughout the Liverpool City Region.

Local groups and organisations with great ideas to make their communities an even better place to live are now invited to apply for funding to turn their ideas into reality.

People’s Health Trust has just launched Active Communities in St Helens, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral – a funding programme for local people wanting to create fairer places to grow, live, work and age.

Using money raised by HealthFit through The Health Lottery, People’s Health Trust is looking to invest in projects that support people living in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods or communities in St Helens, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

Active Communities is a funding programme for not-for-profit groups with an income of less than £350,000 a year, or an average of £350,000 over two years, seeking investment of between £5,000 and £50,000 for projects lasting up to two years.

Projects could be almost anything that encourages strong connections between people, and that help people to make their communities or neighbourhoods even better places to grow, live, work and age.

We’re looking for small and local projects, genuinely designed and run by local people. By small, we mean just a small group of people on an estate, in a few streets or villages. We’re also looking for great ideas from communities of interest. By this we mean a group of people who have something in common and wish to come together to address something that is important to them. These ideas could be based in one neighbourhood, or cover a wider area.

PLEASE NOTE: Sefton CVS are supporting local groups to apply to the Active Communities Fund, so if you have questions or need some help or advice, please click here for more information

John Hume, Chief Executive, People’s Health Trust, says: “We’re looking to support ideas designed and run by local people which help create even stronger links and ties within communities. Whether it’s a women’s volunteering group run by and for Bengali women; a computer skills support group run for and by older people; support for local people to become community organisers; or young people living with mental ill-health wishing to address access to work issues or discrimination, we’re interested to hear about it.

“Applying couldn’t be easier – it’s about local people telling us what would make their local community an even better place grow, live, work and age.”

Sefton 4 Good is appealing for community groups and individuals to support a scheme to provide free summer school holiday meals for children across the borough.

The fundraising initiative says that many families find the holidays difficult because they rely on the free school meals their children receive during term time.

As a response to this situation, organisers are looking to co-ordinate a borough-wide network of local voluntary organisations and community venues who will be able to plug the gap by offering free meals to children and young people aged between five and 18 in the holidays.

Seven local organisations have already pledged their support to the scheme – two in Bootle, one in Litherland, two in Crosby and a further two in Southport.

Now Sefton 4 Good are appealing for specific support for this initiative and have set up a dedicated BT MyDonate page in a bid to generate crowdfunding support for the initiative, click here to donation. Donations can also be made by phone by texting SEFT44 followed by the amount to 70070.

Funds raised in these ways will help groups with purchasing supplies of food and drink, and organisers are also appealing for volunteers to help in the initiative.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and cook meals, and also to assist with running activities at the various centres across the borough.

“We’re hoping for a really good response from community groups and individuals, to enable us to provide a free meals service in as many borough locations as possible.”

Organisers are also looking for support and donations from local businesses for specific food supplies and equipment, and those who can support are asked to contact Sefton 4 Good for full details of what is needed.

Groups or individuals who want to get involved, or for those wishing to make a donation, can contact Sefton 4 Good by ringing 0151 920 0726 or by visiting www.sefton4good.org.uk.

Clinical commissioning groups in Sefton and Liverpool are pausing their plan to merge the three organisations.

NHS South Sefton CCG, NHS Southport and Formby CCG and NHS Liverpool CCG have made the decision so they can spend more time considering the implications of a merger for their patients, staff and partners.

Governing body members agreed the pause at a joint meeting on 6 June 2017 and their decision will now be recommended for approval at their next governing body meetings.

The three CCGs were required by NHS England to submit their formal merger application by July 2017, ahead of any agreed organisational change from April 2018. Governing body members have instead agreed to delay submitting their application and revisit their proposal in a year’s time. Importantly, this step takes account of the increasing challenges and demands placed on the NHS as a whole and, in particular at this time, by the three local health commissioners.

At the tri-governing body meeting, members agreed that the original July 2017 application deadline would divert the CCGs’ efforts away from their priority work over the coming year – a crucial period for each CCG.

So, this additional time created by a pause will allow the CCGs to concentrate their efforts in two areas. Firstly, in ensuring the CCGs continued focus is on improving financial and health service performance for the distinct populations they serve in line with their individual statutory duties, whilst secondly, developing a more considered and robust business case that clearly demonstrates the benefits of merging to their GP practice members, local residents and other key partners.

Membership of the North Mersey Local Delivery System (LDS) means the CCGs will continue to work together on system wide programmes that benefit and affect the populations they serve. Good progress and pace has already been made, without the upheaval that organisational or structural change would bring to the CCGs at this present time.

Current areas of joint work include work to transform hospital services. Other areas for future closer collaboration will now be explored and could include RightCare benchmarking, continuing healthcare and funded nursing care.

Include-IT Mersey is a new project, jointly funded by the European Social Fund and the Big Lottery Fund as part of its 2014-2020 Building Better Opportunities Programme. The project will provide a personalised package of support to digitally excluded residents of the Liverpool City Region that are out of work to help improve their IT and online skills, confidence in using and practical access to digital technologies and, ultimately, support them towards and into employment.

The project will be delivered by a partnership of 23* not-for-profit and public sector partners spanning the six boroughs of Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, Halton and Wirral, with specific target areas in each borough.

Led by Sefton CVS, in collaboration with VOLA Consortium members, local Housing Associations and Local Authorities, this innovative multi-agency partnership is founded on partners that really care about their local communities. It will ensure that those in need of support to help develop their IT skills, access to online services and digital technologies will receive the best possible service, whatever their starting point. In addition to IT skills development, assistance will include employability and personal skills development to support people into or closer to employment.

Angela White, Chief Executive of Sefton CVS said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded this funding and it is an honour to be leading such an innovative partnership, spanning the voluntary, public and social housing sectors. The online agenda is increasingly prevalent in people’s every day lives and can present an additional barrier to those people that are not online, not just in terms of their employment prospects and access to job opportunities, but in their private and social lives too. Developing IT skills and getting online can open up a whole new world to people in many different ways! We very much look forward to working with our partners to offer this vital service to across the city region and to make a real difference to local people and communities”.

The project is currently being set up and hopes to start being able to offer services to people from May 2017, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks. For those already online, you can find out more and sign up to receive updates at www.includeitmersey.org.uk.

Health commissioners in Sefton have confirmed that following a recent review the Care at the Chemist scheme, available via community pharmacies, will continue from the 1st April 2017 although it will be available from fewer pharmacies.

Pharmacists ordinarily and routinely provide health advice to their customers regardless of Care at the Chemist but the scheme additionally ensures residents have access to a range of medicines for minor illnesses for which they might otherwise consider a trip to the doctor.

Medicines that are supplied to a patient as a result of their Care at the Chemist consultation are free for those who do not already pay for their prescriptions. All items available on the scheme are also available to buy over the counter.

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, like many other CCGs, are required to make savings where possible but are keen to keep this valuable service where they can to help those residents who need it.

Following reviews of current services the CCGs have informed pharmacies that the consultation fee for the scheme will be reduced for 2017-18 which has led to a number of pharmacies choosing to no longer provide the additional service. There will however be 14 pharmacies across Sefton who will continue to offer the service.

The range of medicines currently available is also being reviewed in order to make the scheme more efficient.

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “In this challenging financial climate we are having to make savings on many of our services but we do understand how valuable Care at the Chemist is, particularly for the borough’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. We are therefore pleased to be able to support the pharmacies who voluntarily wish to offer this service to patients.”

Dr Andrew Mimnagh, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “We are still reminding people to use their pharmacy for health advice for minor illnesses. Whether it is through the Care at the Chemist scheme or not, pharmacists can offer you advice on a wide range of minor health conditions and offer medication to assist.”

A full list of pharmacies offering Care at the Chemist as of 1st April 2017 can be found on each CCG web page below:

Healthwatch Sefton can announce that its members have now decided who they want to represent the consumer champion in the borough to ensure local decision makers and health and social care services hear the views of people throughout Sefton.

Each of the new locality representatives will serve a three-year term of office and their responsibilities involve: acting as a point of contact for residents living in their local area; letting Healthwatch Sefton know of any issues local residents have when using health and social care services; and supporting Healthwatch Sefton with engagement activities.

Among other specific duties, the representatives are also expected to attend steering group and community champion network meetings, promote Healthwatch Sefton’s aims and objectives, and help build effective relationships with their CCG locality counterpart to streamline communications between the two organisations.

Voting for the role of locality representative began last November with Healthwatch Sefton’s community membership of more than 1,000 choosing their preferred candidates to uphold the aims and objectives of Healthwatch Sefton.

Healthwatch Sefton has a number of statutory functions which include: gathering the views and experiences of Sefton patients and residents, as well as promoting and supporting the involvement of people in the commissioning and provision of local health and social care services.

If you live in any of the localities mentioned above and want to contact the Healthwatch Sefton locality representative, then you contact them via 0151 920 0726 ext 240 or email: info@healthwatchsefton.co.uk

Also, as there are two localities with a vacant role, Healthwatch Sefton would like to hear from any of their other members interested in taking on the position. Alternatively, anyone living in either the Bootle, or Seaforth,R Litherland and Netherton localities (or has a good knowledge of those areas), and would like more information on how to become a member of Healthwatch in order to be considered for a role, should email: info@healthwatchsefton.co.uk, or call 0151 920 0726 ext 240.

Solutions 4 Health has been appointed by the Local Authority to provide stop smoking services across the city for the next 3 years, starting on April 1st 2017. The new service will be called Smokefree Sefton.

Solutions 4 Health is a leading national provider of smoking cessation, already operating stop smoking services for some thirty councils, including Berkshire, County Durham, North Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Blackpool and North Yorkshire with recent awards including Liverpool and Devon, and helps over 30,000 smokers to quit each year.

The successful model to be deployed in Sefton is based upon a combination of outreach to priority groups in their community and workplace with partnership working within the health economy, so a full range of services are made available, making it as easy to quit as to smoke.

Leena Sankla, Public Health and Lifestyle Services Director for Solutions 4 Health adds: “We take a very positive approach and are all about reducing health inequalities through supporting and empowering people to improve their health and wellbeing. After all, smokers are four times more likely to quit successfully when they have professional support.”

Both the Local Authority and Solutions 4 Health believe that smoking cessation is everyone’s business and see this development as a major step in the goal of making Sefton ‘smokefree’. Solutions 4 Health will be working closely with all of you to ensure that staff receive relevant training and that there are seamless referral processes in place so that smokers can rapidly receive our help and support.

Councillor Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Sefton Council said “The new Specialist Stop Smoking service will help residents in Sefton achieve a smoke free life. The service will encourage individuals to change their behaviour and attitudes toward smoking, making quitting for good more achievable.”

A six week course for One Vision Housing customers took place at Millspring Court in Bootle with local health commissioners and Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) to help people self-care for their breathing conditions.

NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and One Vision Housing organised the course for customers who have a breathing condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Those who joined the group benefitted from classes on breathing self-management, inhaler techniques and looking after themselves through the cold weather whilst staying independent.

Suzanne Meylan, independent living manager at One Vision Housing, said: “It is important to us that we give our customers access to information to improve their health as close to home as possible so this course was perfect for many of them as it was held in the communal room at Millsprings. Hopefully we’ll roll out similar sessions in other areas in the future. In the One Vision Housing session we spoke to the customers about our independent living service and offered advice on how to keep warm in the winter months with Sefton Council’s affordable warmth team.”

Jenny Kristiansen, respiratory programme lead at NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “We wanted to tailor each session so that customers got the most from the course. Working with Sefton CVS, Liverpool Community Health and Healthwatch Sefton, our sessions focused on topics such as advice on staying active, relaxation and breathing techniques and advice on how to cope under stress and train the mind to not let stress affect your breathing.”

The general feedback following the sessions was positive. One individual said that they felt more assertive since the course and more confident, whilst others said that the exercises had really improved their breathing when walking and they could now climb stairs a lot easier than previously. Others said that the sessions were good as they got people with similar conditions together and hopefully they will keep in touch.

The event was organised with support from Mersey Internal Audit Agency (MIAA), a specialist provider of internal audit and related services in the UK. The overarching object of this project was to demonstrate the significant benefits that can be achieved through health and housing working collaboratively.

The Charity Commission (‘the Commission’) investigated Al-Hassan Education Centre (1078159), a mosque and education centre based in Leeds after it repeatedly failed to file its accounts – see endnote 1. The Commission concluded that the trustees mismanaged the charity.

The Commission uncovered inadequate financial governance at the charity and that the trustees were not able to fully account for the charity’s funds in relation to cash collections and charitable expenditure. The charity also failed to submit accounting information for the financial years ending 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2013.

The inquiry also found that there were wider governance failures within the charity whereby the trustees were not adhering to some of the provisions within their governing document including: failure to hold Annual General Meetings since July 2013 or the required 2 trustee meetings a year and that they had no policies for loans and money laundering. The regulator also concluded there had been mismanagement by the trustees due to a lack of financial controls in relation to cash collected and spent following Friday prayers, and a lack of up to date policies and procedures.

The inquiry considered that the trustees had not acted in the best interests of the charity, put the charity’s funds at risk and concluded there was mismanagement and misconduct by the trustees.

On 16 November 2016 the Commission issued an order under the Charities Act to direct the trustees to take certain actions to regularise the charity’s governance, submit its outstanding accounting information and review its policies. The trustees have already taken steps to complete the actions, and the Commission will continue to monitor the charity to ensure that its order is complied with.

Carl Mehta, Head of Investigations, Enforcement at the Charity Commission, said:

The trustees in this case failed to take basic steps to ensure that the charity’s funds were able to be accounted for. This is simply not acceptable and I expect the trustees to take measures to speedily correct this.

For many faith groups, collecting funds in cash is likely to be a regular occurrence as part of worship or devotion. Charities must ensure that they have in place effective and proper financial controls to ensure those funds are safeguarded.

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, is issuing this alert to the public to raise awareness of sham charity appeals.

The information contained within this alert is based on reports made during the past month, to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre. The National Fraud Investigation Bureau (NFIB) has gathered information about two frauds, where social media or email platforms are being used to encourage members of the public to donate money to sham charity appeals, including a ‘Migrant Helpline’.

1. Fake animal welfare charity overseas

The NFIB has discovered that criminal groups based in Spain or Cyprus are using social media platforms to target donors from the UK. The money is then laundered from the UK to overseas and rather than be used to tackle animal cruelty, these charitable funds are then diverted to support criminal activity, either here or on the Continent.

2. Fake ‘Migrant Helpline’

Fraudsters are sending out a high number of phishing emails to personal and business email addresses purporting to be from ‘Migrant Helpline’ – charity email addresses could also be targeted.

Migrant Helpline is a genuine charity, but fraudsters have been using its name to trick members of the public into becoming victims of this fraud. It should be noted that this fraud is in no way related to the real charity.

The email address sending the majority of emails is noreply@yeshivadonations.com; however multiple email addresses have been seen. The subject line currently is ‘Thank you for choosing to donate to Migrant helpline’ and the message body contains the following:

Thanks again for donating.We’re sending it straight to Migrant Helpline so you’ll be making a difference very soon.Your donation details:First name: **Last name: **Tel. *****Amount: £196Donation Reference: 09493495If you have any questions about your donation, please follow this link and download Your (Donation Reference 09493495), with the transaction details listed above.With your help, Yeshiva Donations can continue to work in Syria and neighboring countries to deliver clean water and life-saving supplies to millions of people.Your generosity is bringing much-needed assistance to families who have lost everything as a result of the crisis in Syria.Warm regards,Yeshiva Donation

The first name, last name and telephone number are targeted and appear to be correct for those they are sent to. Once the link is clicked, a well-known Trojan (Ramnit) is downloaded onto the victim’s device. This malware is equipped to target and steal personal/ corporate banking details.

Donors are advised to be vigilant and to protect themselves in the following ways:

Safer Giving

genuine charities are registered with the Charity Commission and print their registration details on all documentation, collection bags, envelopes, electronic communications etc – check these details exist and are genuine by visiting the Commission’s online Register of Charities

if the collection is for a charity that you know is genuine, check the collection is authorised by asking the charity directly, using verifiable contact details

watch out for poor grammar/ spelling in emails and other documents, including collection envelopes – this can be a tell-tale sign of fraudulent activity

send your donation to the charity directly. This may mean going to a little more trouble, but you can be sure your donation will get to where it’s intended

The public can also take simple steps to keep safe online, advice is available on: Get Safe Online the official cyber-crime prevention website.

The Charity Commission publishes advice for donors and trustees on safer giving and runs awareness campaigns during periods of heightened giving.

Carl Mehta, Head of Investigations and Enforcement at the Charity Commission, said:

The British public donate millions of pounds every year to good causes, any attempt to abuse this generosity is reprehensible. Do not be put off donating by these malicious scams, but follow the Commission’s advice on safer giving

Sixteen local organisations around Liverpool Bay are celebrating the news that they have been awarded grants as part of DONG Energy’s Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund.

The lucky recipients will each receive a share of the £112,500 windfall available under round three of the Fund.

Each year, approximately £225,000 will be made available for community projects for the expected 25 year lifetime of the Burbo Bank Extension offshore wind farm, which will benefit the local area.

The Fund which was only launched in May last year has already supported 46 worthwhile projects who have benefited from a shared £337,500.

The full list of organisations awarded grants under this round of the Community Benefit Fund are as follows:

Feeding Britain, Birkenhead

Denbighshire Home Start

Friends of Prestatyn Railway Station

Pirates At Art, New Brighton

Wirhalh Skip Felagr, Wirral

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Denbighshire

Vale of Clwyd Angling Club

West Wirral Boys Club

The Fillies Girls Football Club, Sefton

Greasby Community Association

Claire House, Hospice to Home Outreach Play

Bidston Lighthouse CIC

Bedford Street Community Company, Denbighshire

Friends of Derby Park, Bootle

Sandbox Digital, Bootle

Crosby and District Scout Council

Natasha Nanuck, DONG Energy’s Stakeholder Advisor, said: “It is great to see another 16 worthy local causes will benefit as a result of the Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund providing a tangible way for the offshore wind farm to give something back to the community for many years to come.”

The fourth round of applications is now open. The Fund is being managed by national grant-making charity GrantScape and more details can be found at GrantScape’s website http://www.grantscape.org.uk or by calling 01908 247634. The closing date for applications is 29 March 2017.

DONG Energy is currently constructing the Burbo Bank Extension offshore wind farm in Liverpool Bay, approximately 7km north of the North Wirral coast. Once completed, the wind farm will have a total capacity of 258MW, enough to provide power for over 230,000 homes.

The Burbo Bank Extension Offshore Wind Farm generated electricity for the first time in November 2016.

Pupils from Deyes High School in Maghull were given the chance to examine their future career options at a day long convention bringing together local, regional and international organisations.

The young people spoke with local health commissioners from NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and many other professionals about the fantastic career paths open to them once their school days are over.

The CCG was amongst a host of organisations on hand – including Aintree Hospital, Jaguar Land Rover, Northumbria University, Hugh Baird College and Hays recruitment – to give advice about apprenticeship schemes, internships and further education.

Helen Knowles, business & partnerships director at Lydiate Learning Trust, said: “The careers convention offered pupils the opportunity to connect with employers and education providers face to face to help them inform their future decisions. Taking part in the mock interviews gave pupils an insight into how they should present themselves at an interview and helped them to identify their key strengths and areas for development. A huge thanks to our partners for making the day such a success and helping our students fulfil their potential.”

Students could explore a variety of different stalls talking to the various professionals. The event included a live performance from newly formed local band ‘Girl talk’ and a dance troop from Studio 76 Performing Arts College on West Derby Road.

Students then had the chance to take part in a mock interview where they faced a small panel of teachers and professionals, giving them the opportunity to practice their interviewing skills.

Angela Curran, commissioning manager from NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “People often don’t realise the range of careers that the NHS offers in addition to medical roles. The pupils I spoke to were surprised and interested to hear about the work we do in the CCG and the internships and apprenticeships that could be an option for them across the NHS.”

You can find out more about NHS South Sefton CCG and its work to plan and buy or ‘commission’ nearly all local healthcare by visiting its website at http://www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/ or twitter at @NHSSSCCG.

Residents across Sefton are still being urged to get the flu jab this winter by Sefton Council and local health commissioners.

The flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce harm from flu as it
reduces risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and even death among those who are most at risk.

Free flu vaccinations are being offered to all pregnant women, all children aged 2 to 4, residents of all ages with a long term health condition and everyone aged 65 and over. Most people who are eligible can get vaccinated at their local GP practice.

In addition, this year children in school years one, two and three have been offered the flu vaccination and a programme has been carried out across the borough offering the nasal spray.

The flu vaccine for children is given as a single dose of nasal spray squirted up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free (a big advantage for children), the nasal spray works even better than the injected flu vaccine.

It’s quick and painless and means children are less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member Health and Wellbeing, said: “There is still time for residents to get the flu jab or the nasal spray flu vaccine.

“Flu is a highly contagious illness that spreads rapidly and can be very unpleasant for children and adults alike. Symptoms include fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat lasting up to a week.

“By having the vaccination it will go a long way to protect yourself against such nasty symptoms.”

Pippa Rose, a practice nurse lead for NHS South Sefton clinical commissioning group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “As well as planning your Christmas shopping, remember to book your flu jab before the colder weather sets in.

“Having a flu jab isn’t just about protecting you from what can be serious effects of the flu but also helps reduce the spread of flu to those around you. We also encourage carers to get protected too.

“It’s really good news that a greater number of children can now benefit from the free vaccine. However, we mustn’t forget that it’s equally important for expectant mums, those aged over 65, or anyone of any age who has diabetes, chest complaints like bronchitis and kidney problems to get their vaccination.

“If you are not sure if you qualify for a free vaccine, just contact your practice and they’ll be happy to offer advice.”

Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in Sefton have announced the dates of their next governing body meetings and are encouraging anyone with an interest to go along.

The CCGs’ hold their bi-monthly governing body meetings in public, so people can hear them discussing and making decisions about local health services.

Doctors, nurses and other health professionals who make up the committees will discuss a range of issues including the performance of the services they commission, like hospitals and community care.

Rob Caudwell, local GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG chair, said: “The governing body is a formal meeting and it’s a way for people to find out more about what we’re doing. They can also ask us any questions ahead of the meeting getting underway.”

Andy Mimnagh, local GP and NHS South Sefton CCG chair, said: “The meetings are also a chance for residents to meet some of the doctors and other professionals that make up the governing body and to listen in on the discussions taking place.”

Health leaders at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are encouraging people this self-care week (14-20 November) to be aware of how they can look after themselves this winter and to examine their options should they become ill.

By keeping fit and healthy, individuals can take control of their own health, manage minor illnesses and effectively manage long term conditions.

If you do need further help, think carefully and examine your options available across Sefton. For example, think about using NHS 111 for advice as they can direct you to the appropriate service. Go to your local chemist for advice if you need it, they can offer assistance on minor ailments and common illnesses.

Dr Andrew Mimnagh, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “It’s important that people know when and how they can treat themselves and when they should seek further advice. By taking simple steps to look after yourself this winter, you can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing.

“When it comes to treating minor ailments and illnesses, it’s important to examine your options. You can get plenty of advice from your local chemist as well as on the NHS Choices website. Remember, the accident and emergency departments and ambulance services are for life-threatening conditions. By selecting the right option, you can help the NHS to direct their focus to the patients who need it the most.”

The week compliments the national Stay Well This Winter campaign, encouraging people to look after themselves during the winter months – reminding them to see a pharmacist if they need advice on managing cough or cold symptoms; and for older people, a reminder to keep warm during the winter months by putting on an extra layer or turning up their heat.

More information on how everyone can use self-care to improve their health and wellbeing is available on the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk. And for more information on the national Stay Well This Winter campaign, visit: www.nhs.uk/staywell

Feeling Unwell? – Examine Your Options

Across the area there are a range of health services to support people if they feel unwell or have any health concerns. There are services which you may be unfamiliar with, but could be more appropriate and convenient for you depending on your specific issue.

For minor ailments and injuries your best route to recover is likely to be self-care. There are a variety of services that can support you to do this:

Pharmacy Services

Your local pharmacy can offer free, confidential and expert advice on a range of health issues. They can help you prepare for many of the common illnesses like coughs and colds.

NHS.UK

You can find a wealth of trusted advice about hundreds of health conditions and details of GPs, pharmacies and dentists in your local area by visiting the NHS.uk website: http://www.nhs.uk. It also includes a symptom checker.

NHS 111

When you need medical help or advice fast, but it is not a 999 emergency, you can also call the NHS 111 service. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free from mobiles and landlines.

If you need medical care for illnesses you cannot treat yourself, then your GP should be your next port of call.

Your Local GP

Your GP should be your first point of contact for non-emergency illnesses you can’t treat yourself. Your GP is available from 8.00am to 6.30pm weekdays.

If you don’t have a GP, you can register with your local surgery. If you’re not sure where this is, you can find out at: http://www.nhs.uk or call 0300 77 77 007.

Patients can also manage their health needs at home using Patient Access which is available on desktop or as a free app where you can arrange appointments, order repeat medications and update your personal details.*

Health leaders at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are encouraging people this self-care week (14-20 November) to be aware of how they can look after themselves this winter and to examine their options should they become ill.

By keeping fit and healthy, individuals can take control of their own health, manage minor illnesses and effectively manage long term conditions.

If you do need further help, think carefully and examine your options available across Sefton. For example, think about using NHS 111 for advice as they can direct you to the appropriate service. Go to your local chemist for advice if you need it, they can offer assistance on minor ailments and common illnesses.

Dr Andrew Mimnagh, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “It’s important that people know when and how they can treat themselves and when they should seek further advice. By taking simple steps to look after yourself this winter, you can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing.

“When it comes to treating minor ailments and illnesses, it’s important to examine your options. You can get plenty of advice from your local chemist as well as on the NHS Choices website. Remember, the accident and emergency departments and ambulance services are for life-threatening conditions. By selecting the right option, you can help the NHS to direct their focus to the patients who need it the most.”

The week compliments the national Stay Well This Winter campaign, encouraging people to look after themselves during the winter months – reminding them to see a pharmacist if they need advice on managing cough or cold symptoms; and for older people, a reminder to keep warm during the winter months by putting on an extra layer or turning up their heat.

More information on how everyone can use self-care to improve their health and wellbeing is available on the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk. And for more information on the national Stay Well This Winter campaign, visit: www.nhs.uk/staywell

Feeling Unwell? – Examine Your Options

Across the area there are a range of health services to support people if they feel unwell or have any health concerns. There are services which you may be unfamiliar with, but could be more appropriate and convenient for you depending on your specific issue.

For minor ailments and injuries your best route to recover is likely to be self-care. There are a variety of services that can support you to do this:

Pharmacy Services

Your local pharmacy can offer free, confidential and expert advice on a range of health issues. They can help you prepare for many of the common illnesses like coughs and colds.

NHS.UK

You can find a wealth of trusted advice about hundreds of health conditions and details of GPs, pharmacies and dentists in your local area by visiting the NHS.uk website: http://www.nhs.uk. It also includes a symptom checker.

NHS 111

When you need medical help or advice fast, but it is not a 999 emergency, you can also call the NHS 111 service. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls are free from mobiles and landlines.

If you need medical care for illnesses you cannot treat yourself, then your GP should be your next port of call.

Your Local GP

Your GP should be your first point of contact for non-emergency illnesses you can’t treat yourself. Your GP is available from 8.00am to 6.30pm weekdays.

If you don’t have a GP, you can register with your local surgery. If you’re not sure where this is, you can find out at: http://www.nhs.uk or call 0300 77 77 007.

Patients can also manage their health needs at home using Patient Access which is available on desktop or as a free app where you can arrange appointments, order repeat medications and update your personal details.*

A leading Sefton charity support organisation is appealing for more local residents to offer their services as trustees of good causes across the borough.

Waterloo-based Sefton CVS, which provides a wide range of support services to local voluntary, community and faith sector organisations, issued the request to tie in with this year’s national Trustees’ Week activities.

CVS Volunteer and Citizenship Lead, Mike Howlett, says it is important to raise awareness of the vital work that trustees do.

They are effectively the people in charge of a charity, volunteering their time to make vital decisions about the organisation’s work and future plans.

Mr Howlett explained: “Trustees play a key role in the running of charity and community organisations in Sefton, and therefore make a huge impact on the people that these groups support, who are often some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“We are regularly contacted by organisations looking for trustees, so there is always a need for volunteers who have the passion, experience and skills to help a charity to develop.”

Mr Howlett added that enthusiasm and commitment are important assets for all trustees, but specific skills that charities are seeking include expertise in management, employment law, staff supervision, data analysis and marketing.

Southport residents are being invited to have their say on the progress of a project to give a well-known local community building an artistic new look.

Sefton CVS is holding a further consultation event on its plans to create a giant mural at its Southport Community Centre hub on Norwood Road at 5pm on Thursday 17th November.

CVS has submitted an application to the National Lottery’s Celebrate fund to pay for

the mural on the entrance wall of the building, and commissioned celebrated Southport street artists Neil Morris and Keith Lack to create the design on the basis of residents’ ideas.

Following an initial consultation event in August the artists have produced some visuals in line with local people’s suggestions, and these will be discussed at this week’s event at which other mural ideas will also be developed.

Eventually all the visuals will be submitted to the Parish Church Council of St Simons & St Judes, the custodians of the building, who will select a shortlist. Members of the public will then be able to vote and choose their favourite.

Southport Community Centre Manager, Philip Blocksidge, commented: “The aim of this project is to give our building its own individual identity and some real visual impact, and we wanted local people to play a big part in the creative process.

“Thanks to their input and imagination, we’ve already got some great ideas for the design, and no doubt even more good suggestions will come out of this week’s meeting.

“Then it will be a case of selecting the winning idea and progressing to the really exciting part of the project, which will be seeing our building transformed,” added Mr Blocksidge.

For more details about the consultation ring Southport Community Centre on 01704 517 810. Anyone unable to attend can call into the centre at any time during office hours to see the mural ideas and complete a feedback form.

Southport Community Centre is located on Norwood Road, close to the junction with Sussex Road and Peel Street.

Sefton MBC, Public Health colleagues have approached us to capture details of activities that can be promoted through the new Make Time website.

“Make Time is all about helping you look after your mental wellbeing. Based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, our aim is to give you ideas about the ways you can help yourself and those around you feel good inside and out…By making time for yourself and others, you can feel happier and improve someone else’s day too! The campaign aims to reach everyone in Cheshire & Merseyside. On this site you will be able to find out more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing and learn about what’s available to help your wellbeing in your local area.”

They are predominantly looking for participatory activities running over the next couple of months that can be advertised to the public as part of the Make Time Campaign http://www.make-time.org/

3tc, Merseyside Third Sector Technology Centre, is currently running its free ‘Technology 4 U’ course funded by the Big Lottery for people living in the Church, Derby, Ford, Linacre, Litherland, Netherton & Orrell and St. Oswald area in South Sefton. At just 3 hours per week these courses are ideal for people with little or no computer skills. Topics include:

PC & internet basics

How to complete online forms

Using web e-mail

Saving attachments to an online storage area

Using a free online word processor and Google search

‘Technology 4 U’ is especially useful for the unemployed as they will learn how to view their Universal Jobmatch account, do job searches, upload and download CV’s and create attractive cover letters etc.

Jackie Kemp, 3tc’s Chief Officer said “As more and more services become digital-by-default there is nothing worse than feeling anxious or nervous about having to use an online service. We want people to be confident using a computer. Perhaps even more importantly we want them to learn computer skills for themselves so they can take advantage of other online services that will save them money and make their lives considerably easier. We show people how they can access a lot of tools and resources for free, and they can continue to use these even after the course ends. Even if you do not own a computer you will still be able to use these tools and resources across a range of community venues that provide free access to the Internet”.

3tc is running its free ‘Technology 4 U’ courses from its base at 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 0NY. Anyone interested should ring Claire on 0151-285-4010 so she can check their eligibility

Sefton Council is introducing changes to how payments are made. From 1 October 2016, cheques will no longer be issued and instead money will be transferred through a BACS payment – straight into bank accounts.

Letters have been sent out to those affected by the change which will enable speedier transactions.

The change does not affect anyone who wants to pay by cheque to the Council. However we would encourage people to sign up for e-billing and direct debit – which makes paying bills, invoices or fines easier and more secure.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: “We have reviewed the payment processes and found that paying by cheque is a slower and more costly option for the Council.

“By bringing this change in across all services, it should help to save you time, reduce fraud and improve the level of security for everyone.

“We understand that this will be a significant change for some people so we have added some frequently asked questions to the website.”

How do I transfer from cheque to BACS?
If you are an existing supplier you will need to complete a BACS registration form to provide and verify your bank details. You will need to quote your existing supplier number (found on your last cheque remittance advice) and provide a valid email address.

How long will it take for me to receive my payment?
You will be paid by the Council based on agreed terms for your type of service. The standard terms are 30 days. We make payment by BACS 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for transactions that have been approved. Once the funds are transferred they should reach your account within 2 working days. You will receive an electronic remittance to the email account you have supplied.

Who can I contact if i have a query?
If you have any questions about your order, please contact the named person on your purchase order. For assistance with supplier adoption or BACS you can contact the Accounts Payable team on 0151 934 3600 or email: central_accounts.payable@sefton.gov.uk

Why am I getting an error message?
Some Internet users may get a pop-up message when they open the BACS registration form. Please continue to the form as normal as it is secure and is on a trusted site.

The PCC has today unveiled plans for a new headquarters for Mersey Police on a key gateway into Liverpool.

Following a year-long evaluation of all the options, Jane Kennedy’s preferred choice for the future of Merseyside Police headquarters is to develop a new purpose-built headquarters on a site on Scotland Road in Everton ward.

Even by conservative estimates, building a new headquarters will be £780,000 cheaper than refurbishing the existing police headquarters in Canning Place. A more efficient and environmentally-friendly new build headquarters will also be £380,000 a year cheaper to run and maintain, helping the organisation to save £15.5m compared to the cost of keeping Canning Place over the next 40 years.

The new headquarters will consist of a four-storey building with a single-storey annex, housing nearly 850 officers, PCSOs, and staff in largely open-plan offices, as well as providing meeting rooms, a lecture theatre and break-out spaces. It will be located on a predominantly brownfield site, largely owned by Liverpool City Council and bound by Scotland Road, St Anne Street and the approach road to the Queensway tunnel. It is also adjacent to the Force’s existing St Anne Street site.

Jane said: “It has been a complex and thorough process to get to the position where I can make this decision today. Extensive evaluations have been undertaken which confirm that building a new headquarters on Scotland Road is the most effective, efficient and economical way to ensure that Merseyside Police is able to tackle crime and protect our communities now and for years to come.”

Review methods
CQC carried out fieldwork for the review between January and March 2016 including East Lancashire, Liverpool and North East Lincolnshire in the North. The review looked at 4 key aspects of care for people with diabetes, including:
• Identification and diagnosis
• Structured education and support for self-management
• Care pathway
• Person-centred care coordination

The review included interviews with GPs, clinicians and commissioners; multi-professional / multi agency focus groups with staff; focus groups, 1 to 1 interviews, and case tracking of people with diabetes. The review looked at existing evidence from CQC’s comprehensive inspections, information provided by Healthwatch, CCGs and other data sources. The review also used an online web form, limited to the areas covered by the fieldwork, to gather the experiences, opinions and insights of people about their diabetes care.

Review conclusions

The review discovered that people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes were not always identified and supported to become healthier. Some people felt they were not receiving enough emotional support – providing this support at diagnosis and beyond can contribute to more effective self-management and increase engagement with services and attendance at structured education programmes.

CQC saw many examples that others can learn from, including local commissioners and providers proactively engaging with individuals and communities, and innovative methods to increase people’s ability to self-manage. The review also highlighted that people who had attended structured education courses felt it improved their ability and confidence to manage their diabetes.Where these courses were less likely to be accessed, for example by people from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups, some local services were able to show how they were providing culturally relevant information, support and training to people in their local community.